Lesson Plan : Action Figure Collage

Teacher Name:
 Debbie Paragone
Grade:
 Grade 3
Subject:
 Arts and Crafts

Topic:
 Action Figure Collage
Content:
 Students had previously learned how to draw the human figure in proportion. They drew people from observation using models. In this lesson, action figures are explored using Keith Haring's art as an example of simple, whimsical and colorful action figures. The students will use a template as a guide to trace and cut 3 or 4 action figures that they will arrange in a colorful collage. The focus on rhythm, movement, balance and contrast will be emphasized. These will also be key vocabulary words as well as collage, abstract and silhouette.
Goals:
 1.To learn about the artwork of Keith Haring and how he used figures in his art work. 2.To identify collage as an art form.
Objectives:
 1. To make a collage that will express movement by arranging figures and shapes using the principles of design. 2. To learn the skills of proper paper cutting and gluing. 3. To choose interesting colors and patterned paper that will show they understand the meaning of contrast.
Materials:
 oak tag moveable figure templates fun tak pencils crayons texture plates scissors colored scrap paper wallpaper scraps glue sticks 12 x 18 color construction paper Resource: internet site www.haringkids.com
Introduction:
 Using a PowerPoint presentation, an introduction to Keith Haring is shown to the entire class. Students are then shown a teacher created "Haring inspired" action figure collage. Students are engaged in a discussion about the effective use of color and patterned paper figures and shapes that are used in the collage. They are also asked if they think it is better to use the silhouetted figures in the collage rather than a detailed drawing of an action figure.
Development:
 The teacher tells the students that they will select a large 12 by 18 piece of color construction paper that will be the background for their collage. They will then select several smaller pieces of paper that they will cut their figures and shapes from. They have to look at the color and patterned paper they have chosen and see if it will create enough contrast and excitement with their background paper and other colors they have chosen. Students may also create their own "textured" paper by using a texture rubbing plate and crayons. The teacher will then demonstrate how to use the oaktag figure template as a guide to create their action figure. The action poses they choose should be varied with arms and legs outstretched and not contained. Fun-tak on the back of the templates will keep the figure from moving as they trace. They should be reminded to trace on the OPPOSITE or WRONG side of the paper (there is an opposite side on the wallpaper and fadeless paper) so that their pencil tracing does not show on their cut out figure. Before they go to cut out their figure they should be reminded that the template is only a guide and they may want to fix up the action figure in pencil again to make sure it is not too "lumpy" from the tracing. Students are shown how to cut around the figure first to cut away excess paper so that it will be easier to cut out the legs and arms with greater detail after all the excess paper is out of the way. Once their figures are cut out they may put them aside. Different shapes are discussed and the teacher shows them a variety of free form, geometric and recognizable shapes that can be cut. The final demonstration is the arrangement of the figures and shapes using balance and rhythm that will create a pleasing composition. Once the collage is "arranged" on paper they will check with the teacher to discuss the arrangement. Good gluing skills are modeled by the teacher and children are also given a reminder of the proper use of glue sticks.
Practice:
 
Accommodations:
 On a large piece of foam core board, examples of a step by step action figure collage are displayed. Written directions are also listed in a step by step procedure. For special needs students, special scissors and stencils could be used.
Checking For Understanding:
 Once the collages are finished they can be hung up temporarily on a bulletin board inside the classroom. Students can discuss what colors and patterns that were used looked good together? Do they think the collages show movement and why? How does the action collage compare to a picture of a detailed drawing of a sports picture?
Closure:
 Ask the students what other subject matter they might use a collage for.
Evaluation:
 Did students the student's composition show movement as well as balance. Did the colors work for or against the collage. Were the figures cut and glued properly?
Teacher Reflections:
 

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